If there’s anything we can celebrate from the turmoil of the last few years, it’s been the rediscovery of our own backyard – its beauty, its expanse and its awe-inspiring diversity.
During the two years of international travel restrictions, hundreds of thousands of Aussies who wouldn’t normally venture into the great outdoors, popped their passports away for safe keeping, mothballed the suitcases and instead, dusted off the camping gear, backpacks and fishing rods, for a road trip or weekend away in nature.
Caravan and 4WD sales skyrocketed as folks decided that the time had come to see what travel opportunities our own country had to offer, away from the cities and off the beaten track. Road trips with family and friends, romantic getaways for two, and for many, a year off work to do the Big Lap (and the chance to do some soul searching), became catchphrases for travel during the era of covid.
Tired of the stress and uncertainty, people naturally sought out “downtime” in nature – walking, fishing, surfing - more restful periods spent reading and playing board games, and a return to family and the simple things in life that we find comforting and reassuring.
And one trend that had already gained considerable momentum in the lead up to this time was consequently catapulted into the mainstream – the fascination and affection for that Retro Vintage “vibe”.
From home décor to fashion, the mid-century and retro movement was evident everywhere. Clothing, wallpaper, furniture, homewares, caravans, food trucks and car design were (and still are) being influenced by our desire for something that reminds us of the past.
People scour markets and second hand outlets for original items that reflect the simplicity and fun of the 50s, 60s and 70s - art pieces, handtools, crockery and glassware, home decor and of course, clothing.
And it isn’t just the “boomers” on the nostalgia trip, the millennials and gen Z have also jumped on the bandwagon, ingraining this trend even further into our daily existence. What a ride!
Of course, here at Recycled Mats we couldn’t help but be bitten by the retro bug. Whilst modern camper trailers and caravans can offer the ultimate in luxury and practicality, nothing pulls the heart strings more in a caravan park than a cool vintage van. Whether an original or a new-build, it says relax like no other home-on-wheels out there!
And what better way to complement those wheels than with one of our retro inspired mats. From florals to palm trees, gingham checks to flamingos, our vintage range of outdoor mats is a no-brainer when it comes to decking out your camping, picnic or backyard space.
Our retro outdoor mats tick all the boxes - practical and hard wearing, they bring comfort and style to any campsite….or party! Soft underfoot yet sturdy, after 13 years in business, our recycled plastic mats have stood the test of time and can be found across the country in caravan parks, school yards, gardens and at all your favourite music festivals and events.
Perfect for seating and entertaining, they’ll easily expand your living space into the annex area or out under the stars. Protecting delicate feet by providing a barrier to sharp sticks and stones, the weave of our camping mats will still allow for air circulation, making them campground and grass friendly. And being made from recycled plastic, they’re eco friendly too!
All of our x-large annex mats of 4m or longer, come with eyelets included and a strong, recycled polyester carry bag meaning they're easy to transport and store. They’re also a cinch to clean - simply sweep, shake or hose off to remove dust and debris.
Ideal for picnic and beach days, our small - large outdoor rugs all have corner eyelets as an option so you can peg them down and secure them in place plus you can add an umbrella eyelet when the day calls for more sun protection. Oh, and did we mention that we also have a really cool vintage umbrella range? Yep, from stripes to classic cream canvas, our fringed beach umbrellas are sure to up the retro ante!
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We also offer a great selection of cheeseboards and picnic tables made from reclaimed and sustainable wood. Why not get into the vintage vibe and set up a retro picnic complete with French onion dip and Jatz crackers, devilled eggs and prawn cocktails….yum!
There's endless fun you can have with our retro mat collection with a range of colours, shapes and sizes to suit just about any camp setup, event or party. So what are you waiting for? Bring the past into your present and enjoy the fun and frivolity that the vintage vibe can add to your life.
